News

NZ Out in Front on GM Sterile Seeds

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

An international understanding restraining the use of techniques to make plants sterile is being challenged by a small group of countries that includes New Zealand. Decisions are scheduled to …

NZ Seeks Break With UN Understanding on Sterile Seeds

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Cabinet papers released under the Official Information Act show New Zealand seeks the option to authorise field trials for GM plants that produce sterile seeds. At present, an international …

Brave New Biosecurity

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Threats posed by new forms of GMOs under development represent a fundamental challenge to New Zealand’s approach to biosecurity labelling requirements. A relatively new treaty that regulates the international …

New Forms of GMOs Highlight Biosecurity Loophole

Monday, March 6, 2006

Threats posed by new forms of GMOs under development represent a fundamental challenge to New Zealand’s approach to biosecurity labelling requirements. Food plants genetically engineered to produce pharmaceuticals and industrial …

MFE Provides “Back Door” Approvals for Toxic Substances

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

The Ministry for the Environment (MFE) has engineered what is essentially a one-way gate for existing toxic substances – free entry for all and huge barriers to removing any …

A First GMO Release or Kite Flying?

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

UPDATE: The Ministry for the Environment’s briefing to the incoming Government contained the following advice to its new minister: “Applications for genetic modification of roses and onions may be received …

Rural NZ Supports Food Production Remaining GM Free

Saturday, October 1, 2005

The most recent poll on public attitudes to GMOs shows rural and urban dwellers equally support the concept that New Zealand should remain a GM Free Food producer. Read the …

Strong Public Support for Zero Tolerance to GM Contamination

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

79% New Zealanders would support the current policy of zero tolerance to GM contamination of seed imports. Polling conducted for the Sustainability Council by DigiPoll also found 77% support …

75% Support NZ Remaining a GM Free Food Producer

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Three quarters of New Zealanders would support the nation’s food production remaining GM Free. A poll conducted this month for the Sustainability Council by DigiPoll resulted in 74.5% supporting New …